Delissa Kimmince is more than happy to harken back to the days of old when football and cricket could comfortably co-exist to present a year-round experience for keen athletes.
The WBBL Brisbane Heat and Konica Minolta Queensland Fire captain will expand her sporting horizons again next year, agreeing to join the Brisbane Lions in the inaugural Women’s AFL season.
The 27-year-old cricket all-rounder will not join the Lions until her WBBL commitments are finished in January and will try football with cricket’s blessing after the Lions consulted with Queensland Cricket before approaching her.
Heat and Fire coach Andy Richards said Kimmince’s natural athleticism and leadership skills meant she was a sought after athlete.
“Dee is one of the best T20 players in the country, but she has pretty much handled whichever sport she has tried her hand at,’’ he said.
“She even managed to go ok with a tennis racket against Ash Barty last season, so I would imagine she will tackle footy with her usual skill and commitment,’’ Richards said.
A defender, Kimmince played with Yeronga South Brisbane in the QWAFL, reaching the grand final.
Although she admits to not knowing all of the rules to AFL football, Kimmince is happy to be an off-field mentor with her experience at the highest level.
“I want to help the girls as they move from amateur to semi-professional sport. It is a big step and it’s all about being able to keep a level head,’’ she said.
Kimmince joins marquee players Tayla Harris and Sabrina Frederick-Traub as well as priority picks Emma Zielke and Kaitlyn Ashmore on the Lions’ list.
WBBL|02 Brisbane Heat Fixtures
Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat Sunday, 11 December 2016* TV Game
Sydney Sixers v Brisbane Heat Monday, 12 December 2016
Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat Saturday, 17 December 2016
Perth Scorchers v Brisbane Heat Sunday, 18 December 2016
Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars Monday, 26 December 2016, Allan Border Field
Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Stars Tuesday, 27 December 2016, Allan Border Field
Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat Monday, 2 January 2017
Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat Tuesday, 3 January 2017
Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat Sunday, 8 January 2017 * TV Game
Hobart Hurricanes v Brisbane Heat Monday, 9 January 2017
Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Renegades Saturday, 14 January 2017 Allan Border Field,
Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Renegades Sunday, 15 January 2017, Allan Border Field
Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers Friday, 20 January 2017, Gabba
Brisbane Heat v Adelaide Strikers Saturday, 21 January 2017, Gabba
WBBL Semi Final 1 Tuesday, 24 January 2017* TV Game
WBBL Semi Final 2 Wednesday, 25 January 2017* TV Game
WBBL Final Saturday, 28 January 2017* TV Game,
